Understanding kidney cancer

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What is kidney cancer?

The kidney is an integral part of the urinary system, producing urine by filtering excess water, salt and waste material from the blood. Kidneys are made up of a network of millions of small tubes called nephrons, which are each composed of a tubule and a corpuscle. Tubules are microscopic tubes that collect the waste materials and chemicals. Corpuscles have a clump of tiny blood vessels that filter the blood.^1,2

Cells in the kidneys sometime change and no longer behave or grow normally. These changes may lead to non-cancerous (benign) conditions like cysts or non-cancerous tumours such as papillary renal adenoma. In some cases, however, these changes can cause kidney cancer.¹

Areas of the kidney where cancer begins

The most common type of kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and makes up approximately 90% of kidney cancer cases.²

There are

several subtypes of RCC

with the most common type being clear cell RCC where cells appear clear or very pale under the microscope.^2,3 This type of cancer starts in the cells that line the tubules.¹

It was estimated that in 2024,

9,000 Canadians

were diagnosed with kidney and renal pelvis cancer.⁴

Risk factors include:⁵

Age >50

Overweight and obesity

Certain inherited genetic conditions

Family history of kidney cancer

Tall adult height

Smoking tobacco

High blood pressure

End-stage kidney disease and dialysis

Contact with trichloroethylene (TCE) (an industrial solvent)

Symptoms and diagnosis

In earlier stages of kidney cancer, there may not be any signs or symptoms. However, as the tumour grows and the disease progresses, symptoms may be more apparent. Some of these symptoms can include:⁶

blood in the urine
pain in the back and side of the abdomen
a mass or lump that can be felt in the abdomen
swelling of the legs and ankles
high blood pressure
fatigue or night sweats
low red blood cell count (called anemia)
loss of appetite or weight loss

Your doctor may want to perform tests to help confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Some of these tests include:^7-9

Blood chemistry tests:A method used to measure substances such as electrolyte and other chemicals in the blood.

Ultrasound:A method using high-frequency sound waves to produce images, called sonograms, that are used to see inside of the abdomen and look for any changes in the kidneys.

Urinalysis:A test to measure substances like electrolytes, hormones and blood in the urine.

Computed tomography (CT) scan:A procedure that combines a series of x-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processes to create 3D and cross-sectional images of the organs, tissues, bones and blood vessels inside the body.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A medical imaging exam that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create 3D and cross-sectional images of organs, tissues, bones and blood vessels.

Biopsy. A procedure to remove tissues or cells from the body so they can be tested in a lab.

If diagnosed, your doctor will evaluate your condition based on the stage and type of kidney cancer.

References: 1. Canadian Cancer Society. What is kidney cancer? Available at: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/kidney/what-is-kidney-cancer. Last accessed February 27, 2023. 2. American Cancer Society. What is Kidney Cancer? Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/about/what-is-kidney-cancer.html. Last accessed February 27, 2023. 3. Cancer.net. Kidney Cancer: Introduction. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/kidney-cancer/introduction. Last accessed February 27, 2023. 4. Canadian Cancer Society. Kidney cancer statistics. Available at: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/kidney/statistics. Last accessed February 13, 2025. 5. Canadian Cancer Society. Risk factors for kidney cancer. Available at: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/kidney/risks. Last accessed February 27, 2023. 6. Canadian Cancer Society. Symptoms of kidney cancer. Available at: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/kidney/signs-and-symptoms. Last accessed February 27, 2023. 7. Canadian Cancer Society. Diagnosis of kidney cancer. Available at: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/kidney/diagnosis. Last accessed February 27, 2023. 8. Mayo Clinic. CT Scan. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/about/pac-20393675. Last accessed March 7, 2023. 9. Mayo Clinic. MRI. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/about/pac-20384768. Last accessed March 7, 2023.

CA-NON-03929

Understanding head and neck cancer

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What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe a number of different malignant tumours that develop in or around the mouth, lip and gum, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), and salivary gland.¹

Areas of the head and neck where cancer might begin:²

1. Paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity

2. Oral cavity

3. Salivary glands

4. Larynx (voice box)

5. Pharynx (cavity behind the nose and mouth, connecting both to the esophagus)

In Canada, it was estimated that nearly 8,100 new cases of head and neck cancer were diagnosed in 2024.³

The incidence of head and neck cancer is more than

There are several factors that can greatly increase the risk of head and neck cancer: ^4-6

Tobacco & alcohol use

Tobacco and alcohol use are two of the biggest risk factors for head and neck cancers — and the longer and more frequently you use them, the greater the risk. People who use both tobacco and alcohol have a higher likelihood of developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

People infected with HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, are more likely to develop certain types of head and neck cancer. For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who do not clear the virus, it can cause certain head and neck cancers later in life.

Other risk factors include:^4-6

Prolonged sun
exposure

Epstein-Barr virus

Genetics

Poor oral/dental hygiene

Environmental/
occupational inhalants

Poor nutrition

References

¹ Canadian Cancer Society. Head and neck cancers. Available at: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/resources/glossary/h/head-and-neck-cancers. Last accessed March 7, 2023.

²Cancer.Net. Head and Neck Cancer: Introduction. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/introduction. Last accessed March 7, 2023.

³Canadian Cancer Society. Head and neck cancer statistics. Available at: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/hypopharyngeal/statistics. Last accessed February 13, 2025.

⁴ Canadian Cancer Society. Risk factors for oral cancer. Available at: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/oral/risks. Last accessed March 7, 2023.

⁵ Canadian Cancer Society. Risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer. Available at: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/oropharyngeal/risks. Last accessed March 7, 2023.

⁶ Cancer.Net. Head and Neck Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/head-and-neck-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention. Last accessed March 7, 2023.

CA-NON-03927

How Merck Canada is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

We are inspired by a shared vision and mission to save and improve lives and have been committed to fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic from the beginning. This includes both our investment in research that could help protect Canadians from this and future pandemics, as well as supporting the communities in which we work and live in.

Investing in COVID-19 therapies

Vaccines are playing a crucial role in helping prevent the spread and seriousness of cases of COVID-19, but they alone will not eliminate the virus. To help keep Canadians safe, more tools and treatments are urgently needed to fight COVID-19, which is why we are investing in research for potential treatments that will have a meaningful and direct impact on patients suffering with COVID-19.

We believe a range of medicines and vaccines will be needed to end the pandemic. That’s why Merck and Ridgeback Bio entered into a collaborative agreement last year to develop and commercialize molnupiravir, our investigational oral antiviral therapy.

“If approved for use, molnupiravir has the potential to address an important unmet need for an effective and simple at home treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, with the potential of avoiding potential hospitalization or death.”

— Gretty Deutsch, Vice-President, Medical Affairs, Merck Canada Inc.

In August of 2021, we submitted to Health Canada a rolling submission for molnupiravir. This process allows for the review of early safety, quality and efficacy data while later-stage clinical trials take place.

As well, our commitment to keep improving the lives of Canadians means we know when we must lend a hand and collaborate across borders and companies. That’s why we have entered a partnership to support the manufacturing and supply of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine.

“Investment in vaccines and antivirals medicines will ensure Canadians’ health and economic security. Unfortunately, viral outbreaks will continue to happen, and we need a different kind of preparedness, which will take political and industry leadership.”

— Marwan Akar, President and Managing Director of Merck Canada

Investing in our communities

We have always helped empower the communities we have the privilege to work with. During the pandemic we have invested funds in numerous local Canadian organizations that work on the frontlines. We have also strategically invested funds to ensure that PPE has been available where it has been needed most.

How we are showing up:

$100,000 contribution for the purchase of PPE through Innovative Medicines Canada for distribution across the country
$200,000 in sponsorships for patient associations to support patient programs to ensure continued care for cancer patients, including support for diagnosis and treatment
$100,000 in financial support for relief efforts for vulnerable populations to various charitable organizations across Canada, including the Canadian Red Cross, Food Banks Canada, and the United Way
Encouragement of employees to support their communities, including allowing medically trained employees to volunteer their time to aid in our healthcare system where needed.